18 May 2012

The selection of backpacks of around 30 litres for day or weekend tours is huge and a bit of help in selecting the right one is very welcome. German magazine ALPIN therefore tested and compared twelve models ranging from 25 to 30 litres, including the MOUNTAINEER 30 by Jack Wolfskin.

It’s obviously a matter of taste that dictates which design features people value in a backpack. Therefore, the selection ranges from simple models to more sophisticated designs, either with a classic backpack opening or drawstring closing, as well as designs of various sizes and back lengths. You can read below which test criteria were decided upon, which applications were focused on and how the verdict for the Mountaineer 30 was reached.

The test process:

The testers chosen by the ALPIN editors inspected the backpacks thoroughly before putting them through a more practical outdoor test. Every backpack was carefully measured to determine the volume capacity of the main and secondary compartments and then weighed on calibrated scales. The practical test examined the suitability of the backpacks for hiking, mountain and rock climbing. The backpacks had to undergo evaluation by six testers, who tried out all the backpacks and scored them individually. Read below how our backpack, the MOUNTAINEER 30, got on:

Assessment of the Mountaineer 30

Hiking:                                   3 out of 5

Rock climbing:                       5 out of 5

Mountain climbing:                5 out of 5

Overall:                                  4 out of 5

Conclusion:

The Mountaineer 30 scored a top rating of VERY GOOD in this test. Particularly worthy of praise is the understated and functional design, which is due to numerous design features for attaching important alpine safety equipment such as helmets, ropes, poles, skis and ice axes. Overall this alpine backpack is an ideal companion for mountaineering, especially on day or weekend tours. It also scores well as a functional, all-round backpack.

ALPIN summary:

“Jack Wolfskin is committing itself ever more intensively to developing backpacks. This is particularly noticeable with the Mountaineer 30, which is simple, understated, robust and functional. Because of the thin waist belt, which features just one strap like Bach models, this 30-litre model is also well suited to climbing. Mountaineers and climbers can’t go wrong with this backpack.”

You can find more information on the Mountaineer 30 here.